Region maintains road safety is a shared responsibility

November 9, 2017 ·
0 Comments

As the days get shorter, the Region of Peel is reminding both pedestrians and drivers to be careful on the roads this time of year.
With fewer daylight hours, visibility can be reduced at night, dawn and dusk.
Peel Regional Police statistics show that the number of pedestrians involved in a motor vehicle accident on Regional roads nearly doubles in November and December, compared to the average for the rest of the year.
“Considering these statistics, it’s important that we are more aware of our surroundings and avoid distractions when walking and driving,” Peel’s Traffic Engineering Manager Joe Avsec commented. “As daylight hours decrease and winter weather approaches, it’s our responsibility to act safely on the roadways to help reduce the number of pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents.”
A few simple steps make it easy to stay safe when walking and driving.
Pedestrians
• Cross only when you have the right of way. Even when it is your turn to cross, wait for oncoming vehicles to stop before proceeding. Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they’ve seen you.
• Wear reflective clothing or flashing lights when walking at night, dawn and dusk.
• Avoid distractions like texting, cell phones and headphones when crossing the street.
Drivers
• When turning left or right, remember to check for pedestrians in the crosswalks.
• Yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections with stop signs or traffic lights and crossovers identified with “Stop for pedestrians” signs.
• Wait for pedestrians to cross the entire roadway at crossovers and school crossings.
People can test their knowledge on pedestrian safety by taking the Region’s Quiz. The first 50 participants to complete the quiz will receive a free pedestrian light.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. Together everyone can help make roads safer for all.
For more information, visit peelregion.ca/pedestriansafety #pedestriansafety